If you are over 40 years old and you want to get into shape there are things you need to do that will help insure that you can
reach your goals. I’m sure you know that as we get older our bodies begin to change and what we did as youngsters we can’t do now. Our
metabolisms have slowed down and our recovery time has increased. Just because we no longer can do the same things we did when we were
younger this doesn’t mean we can’t start a muscle building workout. It does mean that we have to change our approach to building muscle and
getting into shape.
The first thing we need to look at is our diet. The foods we eat have a direct impact on our overall health. If we are eating high
fat low nutrient foods our bodies will not have the energy we need to fuel any type of muscle building workout. It’s really quite simple.
Start eating all natural whole foods and stop eating the processed sugary fat laden foods.
If you start eating more fresh vegetables and fruits your body will respond with increased vitality and vigor. Your body and mind will benefit
and keep you healthy for a long time. I know this sounds like a broken record but it works.
Warm Up
Once we have made the decision to start working out and get into shape we must remember to take it slowly. An exercise routine
that is right for our bodies includes plenty of warm up time and plenty of rest time. Before each workout we must spend at least 10 minutes
warming up. This includes stretching and some type of cardio. I prefer to ride the stationary bike for ten minutes so my body and muscles
are warm and less prone to injury. After the muscle building workout it is important to rest so your body can recover. It’s not like when
we were young and could go out after working out to all hours of the night. These are realities we have to accept if we are going to be
successful.
My muscle building workout would include doing exercises that workout the whole body rather than just individual body parts.
I prefer at my age to use machines and body weight exercises because I feel it gives me the best chance of success without worrying about
injuring myself. This all depends on your physical condition and your experience with working out. If you are comfortable with using free
weights then by all means go ahead and do it. I recommend only working out three times a week in the beginning. On your off days you can do
cardio work that will help build up your wind and endurance. Even if your cardio is just taking an extended walk it is a walk that is
getting you off the coach and headed in the right direction.
Snap A Picture
Do you want a real motivator? Take a picture of yourself at the start of your muscle building workout and then take a picture at
the end of each month. Keep these as a reminder of where you were and where you are heading. This is a great way to keep you focused and is
a great way to influence your friends and family to get in shape also. It is my guess that after six months you will be shocked at the
transformation. If you stick to it and stay motivated you can change your body for the better.
